Visit the Library
Is parking available for library visitors?
Metered visitor parking is available south of the library, off 24th Street, and on the east side of the Nebraskan Student Union. Non-reserved parking zones may also be used by visitors after 5:00 p.m. weekdays and on weekends. Please see the UNK Campus Map and UNK Parking Services web pages for additional details.
May I use the UNK library if I'm not a student?
Yes! Visitors to the UNK library may use the library's computers and electronic resources. Nebraska residents at least 18 years of age may also obtain a Community Borrower card to checkout library materials. Please see our Services for Visitors and Alumni web page for more information.
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Find and Borrow Materials
How do I find library books, videos, or other materials?
To locate items in the library, search the Library Catalog to see if the item is available at the library and note its call number and location. For example:
Catalog search: Fahrenheit 451
Call Number: PS3503.R167 F3 2003 (the call number often starts with one or two letters)
Location: Book Collection
The Library Floormap indicates the locations of specific collections within the library, or feel free to ask us in-person, by phone or online for assistance!
Who may borrow library materials?
UNK students, faculty, and staff may borrow library materials using a UNK card. Students and faculty of other Nebraska educational institutions may obtain a special borrower's card by presenting their institution's ID card. Nebraska residents 18 years of age and older may obtain a special borrower's card by presenting a valid picture ID issued by the State of Nebraska.
How long can I checkout library materials?
| 28 Days |
14 Days |
7 Days |
2 Days |
No Checkout |
Book Collection
Children’s Books
Curriculum Materials
Gov. Documents
Pamphlets
Paperbacks |
Cassette Tapes
Compact Discs
DVDs
Games
Kits
Video Tapes |
Microfiche
Microfiche Readers
Red Tag Gov. Docs. |
Bound Periodicals
Current Periodicals |
Archives
Newspapers
Reference Materials
Special Collection
Microfilm |
What are the fines for overdue library materials?
Due dates are printed on the transaction slip which accompanies checked out items. It is the borrower’s responsibility to observe the due date. A seven day grace period is allowed on all regular collection items checked out for 7, 14, or 28 days
The overdue fine schedule for 28-day, 14-day and 7-day loans is $.20 per day, per item, up to a maximum of $10 per item.
Fines on periodicals are $1 per day, per overdue item, up to a maximum of $10 per item.
Overdue reserve material and laptop fines are $0.25 for each hour or part of an hour overdue up to a maximum of $10 per item.
Fines and other charges may be paid at the Circulation/Access Services Desk any time the library is open. Money from Loper Dollar cards, cash or personal checks made out to the University of Nebraska at Kearney for the exact amount will be accepted. Credit and debit cards are accepted at the Finance Office only.
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Renew or Return Materials
How do I renew library materials?
You may renew materials one time by phone or online before returning them.
Phone: To renew Library materials by phone, call (308) 865-8598 or (308) 865-8599.
Online: To renew online follow these steps:
- Step 1: Log in to My Library Account.
- Step 2: Click the link marked "Items currently checked out."
- Step 3: Select the materials you want to renew by checking the boxes in the RENEW column and then click the "Renew Selected" button. If you want to renew everything, click the "Renew ALL" button.
- Step 4: If you cannot renew certain items, a message will appear on the screen. If you are successful, a new due date will appear in the STATUS column. Always check the STATUS column to confirm your renewal and new due date.
How do I return library materials?
Library materials may be returned in the book drop at the front desk or, when the library is closed, deposited in the book drop next to the library entrance.
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Find Articles and Cite Sources
How do I find journal articles?
The Articles & E-Resources web page is the library’s portal to article databases and other electronic resources. From this web page, you may choose a database by subject area, or start with one of the five most used article databases highlighted at the top.
Many of the library’s databases provide links to help documentation and/or video tutorials, but for live assistance, please ask us in-person, by phone, or online!
How can I get help citing my research sources?
Library staff can help you locate various citation style manuals in the Reference Collection, or for online self-help, please see our Citation Manuals & Style Information web page. For additional help in writing and editing your research paper, consider scheduling an appointment with the Writing Center, located on the library’s second floor.
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Print and Photocopy at the Library
How do I print from the library's computers?
There are seven printers available for patron use throughout the Library. Printing requires either a UNK card, or a print card which may be purchased in the Library Coffee Shop. Printing credit can be added to a UNK card or print card at the Library Coffee Shop.
To print, find a vacant computer and print to either CTR on UNIPRINT (single-sided or double-sided) or CTR-Color on UNIPRINT. The printer names correspond with the following list of printer locations. To retrieve your print job, visit a corresponding printer location, swipe your card, and select which items to print. Note that documents printed to the CTR printer from any computer can be retrieved at any of the following single-sided printers.
| TYPE of PRINTER |
COST |
LOCATION |
| CTR on UNIPRINT |
single-sided = 5 cents per sheet
double-sided = 6 cents per sheet |
Main Level: near the front desk and in the lab
Lower Level: near the Computer lab and Curriculum Offices
Upper Level: near Government Documents |
| CTR-Color on UNIPRINT |
25 cents per sheet |
Main Level: near the front desk |
How can I make photocopies at the library?
There are two copiers located on the main level near the front desk. Payment options vary depending on the photocopier, as shown below. A print card can be purchased at the Library Coffee Shop, where credit may also be added to a UNK Card or print card. Instructions on how to use the photocopiers are attached to the top tray. Note that the color copier can be used to scan documents to email or a flash drive at no charge.
| TYPE of COPIES |
COST |
LOCATION |
| Black & White Copier |
Copies: 5 cents per sheet
(Cash, UNK card, or print card) |
Main Floor: near the front desk |
| Color Copier and Scanner |
Copies: 30 cents per sheet
(UNK card or print card)
Scanning: FREE |
Main Floor: near the front desk |
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Donate to the Library
Does the library accept donated materials or financial gifts?
Yes! Calvin T. Ryan Library welcomes gifts of books, audiovisual materials, and periodicals for the Library’s collections. Individuals planning to donate should contact the library dean, Janet Wilke, by email or by telephone at 308-865-8535. Please see our Gift and Donation Policy for additional information.
Financial gifts to the library are also welcomed, and may be made through the University of Nebraska Foundation. Most financial gifts through the Foundation are tax-deductible.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the library at 308-865-8535.
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